Our Local Chapter

2020-2021 Vision Statement

We grow stronger when we Empower, Motivate, Pass On Wisdom, Encourage and Respect one another.

How to Get Involved

About Our Local Chapter - Lakeland Downtown ABWA

Monthly Chapter Meetings

Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, networking begins at 11:00 a.m., meal is served at 11:15 a.m., program begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. at Grasslands Golf & Country Club, 1600 Grasslands Blvd Lakeland, FL 33803. Please note that if you make a reservation, you are responsible for payment even if you do not attend. You may assign a guest to attend in your place; guest please notify us on check-in.

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Networking Events

Business networking events are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month, 2 weeks following our monthly chapter meeting. Meet your fellow ABWA sisters while promoting your business. Gold Sponsors and above get to host the one networking event per year with a 20 minute presentation. Silver Sponsors co-host with a 10 minute presentation each. See our Sponsorship page for details on becoming a sponsor.

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Professional Development

Part of the ABWA mission is to provide professional development opportunities for our members. Our Professional Development events occur approximately once every quarter and feature speakers and activities designed to meet the needs of our members. These events can be anything from Using Social Media in Your Business, to Learning Public Speaking and much more.

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New Member Luncheon

New members are invited to attend our quarterly new member luncheon, hosted by the Lakeland ABWA Executive Board. Board members and committee chairs welcome new members and provide additional information on the Lakeland Downtown Chapter and details on what to expect with your new membership.

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Leadership Symposium

Our Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium provides a platform for women to learn from a wide array of industry leaders, and network with other professionals in a comfortable setting. Admission includes a light breakfast, lunch and an opportunity to interact with our speakers through discussions and breakout sessions.

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Membership Information

Chapter Award Winners

Top 10 Business Women Nominees

The Top 10 Business Nominee is a current or past officer who has achieved career goals, served her community and engaged in continuing education. Nominees compete for the national title “Top Ten Business Woman” and are announced at the annual national conference.

2019 - Trina Kingery

2018 – Trina Kingery

2017 – Kristin Burton

2016 – Susan Chandler

2015 – Mary Stephenson

2014 – Maria Martinez

2013 – Kim Andreadis

2012 – Gina Berry

2011 – Jeanette Wallace

2010 – Susan Musser

2009 – Christine Boring

2007 – Lesley Corban

Woman of the Year Award Recipients

Woman of the Year is an award for a member who is well rounded and participates in the activities of the chapter as well as a role model for ABWA members.

2019 - Eliska Poirier

2018 – Laura Gaida

2017 – Trina Kingery

2016 – Mary Stephenson

2015 – Maria Martinez

2014 – Jessica Minter

2013 – Gina Berry

2012 – Jeanette Wallace

2011 – Marnet Waters

2010 – Jennifer Bush

2009 – Debbie Rydberg

2008 – Kim Andreadis

2007 – Susan Musser

2006 – Lesley Corban

2005 – Teresa Sample

2004 – Carol Hall

2003 – Julia DiSpada

2003 – Bea Kilgore (Liberty Chapter)

2002 – Kim Aldridge

2001 – Cindy Ortmann

2000 – Sharon Munson

1999 – Joanne Saxion

1998 – Lisa Lott

1997 Shirley Whitney

1998 – Pat Phipps (Florida Gold Chapter)

Protege Award Recipients

The Protege Award is for members completing their first or second year of membership who have recruited at least one new member and have made a significant contribution to the chapter.